Registration is open for regional forestry conference on Oct. 21-22 in Rocky Mount
Speakers and exhibitors from more than a dozen state and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations and companies will take part.
Workshop to Assist N.C. Farmers and Forest Owners Set for August 26 at Mayland Community College
The workshop is designed to help farmers and forest owners improve the health and productivity of their land.
Youth Conference Raises Awareness of Career Opportunities in STEM, Agriculture and Forestry
The event featured exhibits and presentations from businesses, nonprofits and colleges and universities with STEM- and agriculture-related missions.
Registration Is Open for STEM Youth Conference Set for July 16th in Rocky Mount
The STEAM Summit features presentations and exhibits from colleges, the forest industry, and energy and conservation organizations and entities.
Domtar Wins 2026 Sustainable Forestry Initiative Leadership in Conservation Award
The Leadership in Conservation Award recognizes Domtar's deep engagement with SFI's Climate Smart Forestry Initiative, contributions to field-level research, regional leadership, and specific conservation projects.
Fields & Forests Plants its Millionth Tree
"Through projects like Fields & Forests, landowners can hold onto their land and diversify their revenue streams, all while growing thriving forests that help our planet."
March 3 Deadline Nears for Agroforestry Grant Program
Grant funds may be used to prepare sites, purchase planting stock, rent equipment, acquire and install tree protection, and pay contractors.
Sustainable Forestry & Land Retention Project Expands to Serve Woodland Owners in Three More N.C. Counties
SFLRP is expanding to assist woodland owners in Franklin, Washington and Wilson counties. Since it was created in 2013, SFLRP has assisted approximately 400 families owning about 41,000 acres of woodland in 13 counties – Bertie, Chowan, Edgecombe, Gates, Granville, Halifax, Hertford, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Perquimans, Vance and Warren.
Region’s forest landowners gain insights on ‘very dynamic’ market for wood products
The look at forest product markets was among several topics examined during the two-day Forest Landowner Conference. Other topics included agribusiness structures and tax implications, forest health, conservation easements, prescribed fires and genealogy research.
Registration is open for regional forestry conference on Oct. 22-23 in Rocky Mount
Speakers and exhibitors from more than a dozen state and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations and companies are expected to take part. The conference is held to provide forest and farm owners with the opportunity to network with experts and peers and to learn about programs that can help them increase the health and asset value of their land and its habitats.
Youth STEAM Summit Raises Awareness of Career Opportunities and Tools for Success
The conference is held to better acquaint young people with science, technology, engineering, agriculture and math, including career opportunities in these fields. Including parents, the summit drew more than 100 attendees from throughout eastern North Carolina.
9th American Forest Congress Forges New Foundation of Agreement for the Future of the Forests in the United States
The Congress gathered more than 500 leaders from across the nation to explore partnerships, develop and vote on resolutions geared at addressing the needs of our forests and forest community.
USDA Opens Public Comment Period on Department Reorganization Plan
As part of the plan, USDA will consolidate operations, close the South Building, and relocate approximately 2,600 Washington-based positions to five regional hubs: Raleigh, NC; Kansas City, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Fort Collins, CO; and Salt Lake City, UT.
Registration Is Open for STEM Youth Event Taking Place August 7th in Rocky Mount
The conference is geared toward rising 9th to 12th graders and their parents, as well as school counselors, educators and youth leaders. It will be held at the Rocky Mount Event Center.
The Resourceful Grower Unveils New Website
This website is meant to serve as a one-stop shop repository of information for growers in North Carolina, including specific resources, support organizations, market channels, and funding opportunities.
Roots to Resilience Podcast
The SFLR Network's Roots to Resilience initiative, of which this new podcast series is part, "is designed to amplify our impact, engage with African American landowners, and highlight the crucial roles of land ownership, forestry, and conservation within African American Communities."
Registration Opens June 2nd for STEM Youth Conference Set for August 7th in Rocky Mount
The STEAM Summit features presentations and exhibits from colleges and universities, the forest industry, and energy, conservation and forestry organizations and agencies. The conference is geared toward rising 9th to 12th graders and their parents, as well as school counselors, educators and youth leaders.
The African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture Symposium
The African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture Symposium was held March 28-29, 2025, in Durham, N.C.
Carter leads bill amending tax code to recognize value of destroyed timber
This bill will foster stability and growth for foresters ... and promote environmental wellness through reforestation and wildfire prevention.
Commentary: Why solar power matters for my Augusta County family farm
This guest commentary by Donna Miller is reprinted with permission from the Virginia Mercury, where it first appeared.
USDA announces nearly $335M in grants to support private forestland management and conservation as part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced awards of nearly $335 million to strengthen financial incentives for private forest landowners to manage their forests sustainably and to permanently conserve private forests in partnership with states.
Forest and farm owners gain insights on sustaining their land and building family legacies
More than 100 forest and farmland owners from North Carolina, Virginia and other states last week gained insights on estate planning, federal assistance programs, services provided by consulting foresters and more.
Registration is open for regional forestry conference on Oct. 23-24 in Rocky Mount
The Forest Landowner Conference is being held by the nonprofit Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project that Roanoke Cooperative helped establish in 2013. Speakers and exhibitors from more than a dozen state and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations and companies are expected to take part.
Roanoke Cooperative’s Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project Will Benefit from U.S. EPA Grant
Roanoke Cooperative and its nonprofit Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project anticipate an extension and expansion of SFLRP services to forest owners and farmers in North Carolina.
Diversity and Advancements in STEAM Fields Celebrated in Rocky Mount
STEM careers focus as much on discovery, innovation, and problem-solving as on the specific fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. This was a key takeaway from the Youth STEAM Summit ... Over 100 attendees participated in the event, including rising 9th to 12th graders, their parents, educators, and youth leaders.
Youth STEAM Summit Gives Students Up-Close Look at Fields Where They Can Excel in Problem-Solving
The Summit’s keynote speaker, Onté Johnson, a project manager at the Raleigh-based nonprofit energy consulting firm Advanced Energy, told attendees that STEM careers make it possible for the jobholders “to channel their curiosity into tangible solutions that impact lives.”
Biden Administration Issues Financial Assistance to More than 43,000 Farmers, Ranchers, and Forest Landowners through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program
The Administration today announced it has issued payments to eligible applicants under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program ... Through the Act, Congress allocated $2.2 billion for the program and directed USDA to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021.
North Carolina and three other Atlantic states to benefit from $421,238,074 Biden-Harris Administration investment for community-driven solutions to cut climate pollution
EPA announces selected applications through competitive Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program to tackle climate change, improve air quality, and advance environmental justice
The frightful four: the top forest health threats in the South today
Southern forests across the United States are encountering some significant challenges right now ... In this blog, we will explore the top four southern forest health threats of 2024, highlighting the critical issues and proactive measures being taken by our partners to combat them.
Final Report of the USDA Equity Commission
In the pursuit of a more equitable food, agricultural, and rural landscape, the USDA Equity Commission presents its final recommendations – a comprehensive guide for long-lasting change within USDA programs, policies, and procedures.
Dr. Puneet Dwivedi Receives the SFI Leadership in Conservation Award for Advancing Knowledge and Understanding of the Value of SFI Fiber Sourcing
Dr. Puneet Dwivedi, an Associate Professor of Sustainability Sciences at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, is being recognized for his science-based impact assessment of the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard.
Chairwoman Stabenow Unveils the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act
It addresses the issue of foreign ownership of farmland, builds on our commitment to rural communities (and) makes meaningful investments into the farm safety net to provide certainty to all farmers.
Thompson Releases Additional 2024 Farm Bill Details, Pens Open Letter
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn Thompson has released additional details on the bipartisan policies and priorities included in the 2024 Farm Bill, accompanied by an open letter to colleagues and stakeholders.
Online Registration Is Open for STEM Youth Conference Set for July 25th in Rocky Mount
The Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project announced today that online registration is open for the Youth STEAM Summit that it conducts annually. STEAM is the acronym for science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics. The event will take place on July 25th in Rocky Mount, N.C.
WA timber sale blocked as judge orders climate change study
Washington state can’t auction an East King County forest for logging without first analyzing the local project’s climate change impacts, a judge ruled last week, blocking the controversial timber sale and putting officials under pressure to change how they evaluate public lands for harvesting.
Sustainable Forestry Program Provides $10,000 in ‘Mini-Grants’ to Youth Organizations in the Region
The Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project has made a series of “mini-grants” totaling $10,000 to several youth organizations in northeastern North Carolina.
Marquis Who’s Who Honors Alton Perry for Success in Environmental Conservation
Alton Perry is noted for his expertise in sustainable forestry practices
U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities Receives $20 Million in Funding to Support Underserved Forest Landowners
The funding announced by the USDA Forest Service will allow underserved and small-acreage forest landowners to implement climate-resilient practices, access information about market opportunities and support the capacity building of the partners to better serve our forest landowners.
N.C. Forest Service accepting applications for Forest Development Program funding
Landowners interested in applying for cost share reimbursement funding through the Forest Development Program should contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office or work with a consulting forester.
Micro Solar Leases: A New Income Stream for Black Farmers in the South?
EnerWealth Solutions wants to bring the benefits of renewable energy to Black farmers and landowners in the Carolinas.
Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program Appoints First Executive Director
The Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program, in conjunction with the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, announced the appointment of Bethaney Wilkinson as its first Executive Director.
USDA Launches New Working Lands Climate Corps to Train Future Conservation and Climate Leaders on Climate-Smart Agriculture
USDA program will place at least 100 young people in jobs across the country. The deadline to apply is March 8, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.
Federal Assistance Program for Farmers and Woodland Owners Has Jan. 12 Application Deadline
The application reception deadline established for Conservation Stewardship Program assistance is January 12.
U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities Announces Impact Investing Program
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities announces a Request for Proposals for a new Impact Investing Program. Up to $5 million is available with a Feb. 13, 2024, proposal deadline. An informational webinar is set for Dec. 7, 2023.
Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project Announces Financial Assistance for Forest Landowners
The SFLRP is offering up to $1,000 per eligible landowner to aid in the development of a forest management plan.
American Forest Foundation Survey for Underserved Landowners
The American Forest Foundation has created a survey geared towards underserved landowners. It is titled “Barriers to Entry in Carbon Markets for Emerging Participant Groups.”
Federal Financial Assistance Available for Farmers and Woodland Owners
Farmers and woodland owners who want to take advantage of a new round of conservation assistance available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service can seek help through several programs.
A Proclamation on National Forest Products Week, 2023
This National Forest Products Week, my Administration recommits to conserving our beautiful forests. When we responsibly steward the abundant renewable resources found in our Nation’s forestlands, we not only protect the environment but also support a critical pillar of our economy that uplifts communities across America.
Fighting to Help Black People—and Others—Keep Their Land
Land left as heirs’ property results in families losing ground, sometimes literally. With the assistance of organizations like [the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation] that is providing direct services to prevent the growth of heirs’ property and loss of land, fix or resolve title issues, and create small agricultural businesses, families can move forward and build wealth.
USDA Discrimination Financial Assistance Program Announcement
The opening of the application process is an important step in delivering on USDA’s commitment of providing financial assistance to those who have faced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs. The application process is open now and will close on October 31.
Registration is open for regional forestry conference on Oct. 25-26 in Rocky Mount
The Forest Landowner Conference will be held Oct. 25-26 at the Rocky Mount Event Center. Speakers and exhibitors from more than a dozen state and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations and companies are expected to take part.
USDA secretary stops by Brunswick
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stopped by Brunswick on Tuesday to make an appearance at a conference celebrating 10 years of the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention network.
What’s Happening With North Carolina’s Timber Prices?
Compared to a year ago, second quarter 2023 standing timber prices were down across all product classes but pine sawtimber. ... Decline in prices from a year ago are reflective of the uncertainty in the market.
Project works to improve land ownership opportunities across NC, focusing on Black community
WNCN-TV news coverage: There are nearly 20 million acres of forest land across North Carolina, and most of it belongs to private landowners. But holding on to that land, for some owners, can be a challenge.
USDA Forest Service invests $188M to keep forests working, conserve private forestland through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a $188 million investment to conserve some of the most economically and ecologically significant forestlands across the nation.
Forest Champion: Alton Perry
Alton Perry and the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project are featured in a blog written by Zach Clifton, communications specialist for Keeping Forests, an organization that "represent(s) a diverse range of interests with a common mission ... to create the conditions for our current land stewards to keep forests as forests."
Green-Holley earns 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award
SFLRP's Youth Program Coordinator, Reba Green-Holley, has been recognized with a 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award.
Decline in First Quarter 2023 Timber Prices!
Conference for region’s forest landowners scheduled for Oct. 25-26 in Rocky Mount
Roanoke Cooperative Recognizes Sustainable Forestry & Land Retention Project’s 10th Year of Service to Woodland Owners
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture Nationwide
McIntosh S.E.E.D. preserves land and legacy with Black landowners in the US South
Governor Proclaims Prescribed Fire Awareness Month 2023
Showing the Power of Legacy, a Woodland Owner Profile of Ms. Edna Williams
New Publication Helps Young Black Americans Explore Career Paths in the Forest and Conservation Sector
New Round of Farmers of Color Network Grants
Two March Workshops Aim to Boost Landowner Participation in Federal Conservation Program
Co-op offers tools and tips to beat winter at its cold game of heating costs
North Carolina Woodland Owners Get Advice On Ways to Make Forests Healthier, More Profitable
USDA Opens Comment Period on Financial Assistance for Producers and Landowners Determined To Have Experienced Discrimination
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) Announces Lauren T. Cooper as Its New Chief Conservation Officer
Who Runs the Forest? Increasingly, in the Southeast, It’s Women
Perry earns state honor
Lillian “Ebonie” Alexander of North Carolina’s Black Family Land Trust Receives Kingsbury Browne Conservation Leadership Award
Conference for region’s forest landowners scheduled for Oct. 25-26 in Rocky Mount
SFI APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
REC’s Perry named Forest Conservationist of the Year
‘Land Rich, Cash Poor’ – How Black Americans Lost Some of the Most Desirable Land in the U.S.
UAPB program helps small farms
Clean energy fair gives students options on career paths
Sustainable Forestry & Land Retention Project Expands to Serve Woodland Owners in Six More N.C. Counties
Pine Knot Farms in Hurdle Mills
Roanoke Electric begins Power Hour webinar series with focus on economic development
Roanoke Electric appoints Marshall Cherry as co-op’s president and CEO
Estate planning webinar for region’s forest landowners scheduled for March 3
Roanoke Electric Co-op receives Clean Energy Leadership Award for Rapid Charging Station
USDA Announces Plenary Speakers for 2022 Agricultural Outlook Forum
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Highlights Key Work in 2021 to Advance Equity
USDA Invests $50 Million in Partnerships to Improve Equity in Conservation Programs, Address Climate Change
CEO Message
Black News Channel: Black Farmers Bouncing Back After Discriminatory Practices by USDA Nearly Eliminated Them
Enviva Partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to Grow Career Opportunities for African Americans in Renewable Energy
Roanoke Electric receives $6 million for energy efficiency program through USDA
Domtar Donates $3,000 to Sustainable Forestry & Land Retention Project
N.C. Forest Service Accepting Applications for Woodland Recovery Assistance
Small-Scale, Local Producers Get Improved Insurance Coverage through New Micro Farm Policy
The Latest Farm Product: Carbon Credits
‘The woods next door’: U.S. community forests take root
N.C. Forest Service offers discount on tree seedling orders for military members
Curtis Wynn honored with North Carolina Rural Leadership Award
Forest Landowner Conference turns spotlight on climate change
Curtis Wynn steps down as CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative to take the helm at SECO Energy
Spotlight on forests at COP26, a big step forward for climate talks
Fighting Black Land Loss Helps Birds, Too
Fourtee Acres Farm Shows Power Of Legacy
Virtual conference for region’s forest landowners scheduled for Oct. 26-27
Research Roundup: How one undergraduate student’s research seeks to improve our state’s natural resources
UAPB Small Farm Program Enhancing Land, Helping Producers One Farm at a Time
Black US farmers awaiting billions in promised debt relief
Moving Forward Through Farming
Federal Financial Assistance Available for Farmers and Woodland Owners; Application Deadline is Oct. 29
Biden Administration to Invest $67 Million to Help Heirs Resolve Land Ownership and Succession Issues
Signup Period Ends July 23 for New Federal Funding to Support N.C. Conservation Practices
U.S. Senate Passes Growing Climate Solutions Act
In the U.S. South, a forestry project helps Black families keep their land
Why stepped-up basis is important for maintaining family forests
Senate Agriculture Committee hearing — Federal, State and Private Forestlands: Opportunities for Addressing Climate Change
Video: The Benefits of Prescribed Burns
American Rescue Plan Debt Payments
Earth Day 2021: Why reforestation is a crucial part of saving the environment
In Case You Missed It: Here’s What They’re Saying About the Growing Climate Solutions Act
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: Frequently Asked Questions
Guidance for Heirs’ Property Operators Participating in Farm Service Agency Programs
Co-op to host Outdoor Earth Day event, April 23
The fight for Black farmers comes to Washington
USDA seeks input on ‘climate-smart’ ag and forestry practices
North Carolina Forestry Association and N.C. Forest Service promote Arbor Day and importance of planting trees
At Senate Agriculture Committee Hearing, Farmers and Foresters Urge Solutions to the Climate Crisis
Forestry Project’s webinar underscores importance of estate planning
The Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Network Joins Movement To Conserve, Restore and Grow One Trillion Trees
Tyrone Williams, owner of Fourtee Acres, discusses leaving behind a legacy of sustainable forest management for the next generation
Two Biden Priorities, Climate and Inequality, Meet on Black-Owned Farms
Estate planning webinar for region’s forest landowners scheduled for Feb. 24-25
Invasive Plants in Forest Pose Challenge for Nearby NC Farmers
Timber Tax Website Features Tax Tips, Webinars
Educational Needs Assessment of N.C. Non-Industrial Private Forest Landowners: Preliminary Results
Land Trust Lecture Focuses on Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project
Forest Landowner Conference offers ways to boost value of woodlands
NRCS Announces EQIP Funding Opportunity Deadline of November 20, 2020
Sustainable Agriculture with The Cherry Farm
Audubon’s Black Belt Birding Tour
4-H Alumni Video, Reba Green-Holley & Guy Holley
Virtual conference for region’s forest landowners scheduled for Oct. 27-28
ForestHer NC Strives to Empower Women Woodland Owners
Undoing Injustice: Roanoke Electric Works to Empower Black Landowners
UAPB Sustainable Forestry Land Retention Program Seeking Participants
Forestry association seeks extra $500M for COVID-19 stimulus package
‘Death And Dirt’ Law To Conservation For Black-Owned Forests: Meet Mavis Gragg
Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project Encourages Veterans to Seek Assistance Available through Farm Bill
Growing Climate Solutions Act set to be introduced in US Senate
Heirs Property Presentation Examines Legal Challenges, Preservation Initiatives and More
Know property lines before harvesting timber, installing buildings, UAPB expert says
USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
New Infographic from NC State Extension Details Forestry Industry’s Economic Value
Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project Has Funds to Help Landowners Develop Forest Management Plans
Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project Announces Financial Assistance for Forest Landowners for 2020
North Carolina’s Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project Delivered Strong Results in 2019
Documentary premier highlights achievements of sustainable forestry program
Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program Receives USDA Forest Service 2019 Regional Forester’s Honor Award
Forestry in North Carolina: Got to be Sustainable
Enviva Forest Conservation Fund Helps Protect Sensitive Bottomland Hardwood Ecosystem Along Nottoway River
Presidential Proclamation on National Forest Products Week, 2019
Timber industry expecting major boom on heels of Henry County announcement
America’s Forests can Help Fight Climate Change
Sustainable Forestry & African American Land Retention Program Receives USDA Forest Service 2019 Regional Forester’s Honor Award
America’s Forests in South Carolina – Episode 3 of “America’s Forests” with Chuck Leavell
Want More Energy And Less Climate Change? Plant Trees
With a $2.7M federal grant, business ‘opportunity center’ coming to North Charleston
The Importance of Land Retention and Estate Planning
Ebony Alexander – Executive Director of the Black Family Land Trust Discusses the Importance of Land Retention & Estate Planning
John Littles, “What we’re doing now will affect generations” podcast
FourTee Acres – Connecting the Generations
Ebonie Alexander, “The stories of each generation make the land as important as the blood in your veins” podcast
Coming into Focus: Wood is Good & the Facts Back it Up
Fahamisha Amkajinaki, “You owe it to your ancestors to maintain that land” podcast
Keeping it in the Family
Marshall Cherry, “To see changes in family dynamics, those are the wins” podcast
Chris Brown, “When a landowner gets a forest management plan, good things start to happen” podcast
Danielle Atkins, “Women landowners are incredibly important in land management” podcast
Charlie Williams – To Build Trust, You First Have to Admit that the Stories are True
Endowment Launches Apprenticeship Program Aimed at Attracting & Retaining Minority Consulting Foresters
Charles R. Lowry, Jr. – Having Learned More Now, I think I Would Have Asked More Questions Back Then
Alex Harvey – The Trust Factor
Alex Singleton – They Were Losing Twice, Once on Productivity & Once on Price
USDA Announces 1890 National Scholars Program Funding Opportunity
Dr. Jennie Stephens – Its All About Relationships When There is History of Abuse
Tyrone and Edna Williams, “You have to establish trust before you try to provide service” podcast
Dr. Thomas Mitchell, “The most substantial reform of partition law in modern history: Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act” podcast
How Sustainable Forestry can Help the Legacy of African American Landowners
SFI & AFF Join Forces to Grow Family Lands Certification
Applications Being Accepted for Florence Reforestation Fund
Application Deadline for USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is January 31st
Sustainable Forestry Partners Strategize for Phase 3 Success of NC Program
Alton Perry, “Being in this profession has allowed a country boy like me to go to places I never dreamed of” podcast